In July 2024, GSL hosted A-level student Sadie Evans from Ripon College for a week’s work experience at our Oakham office, getting an insight into the nuclear industry and working in consultancy. At the end of the week, she gave a lunchtime presentation on her work to staff and produced a report about her experience:
During my work experience week at Galson Sciences, I worked on a project focused on treating radioactively contaminated asbestos. My main task for the week was to investigate and evaluate effective methods for managing this hazardous material during the decommissioning of nuclear facilities.
I conducted a literature review, analysed and compared existing data, and researched treatment strategies. At the end of the week, I presented the most suitable techniques based on my findings. This experience significantly enhanced my understanding of nuclear decommissioning processes and the complexities of handling contaminated materials. I gained valuable skills in scientific research and project management, which will benefit my future career.One of the challenges I faced was understanding the intricate regulations and safety protocols associated with handling radioactive asbestos; the complexity of the process was a lot greater than I initially anticipated . Additionally, as an A-level student, I was new to projects requiring formal referencing, making it slightly difficult at first. However, with guidance from the experienced professionals at Galson Sciences, I overcame these challenges and learned skills I will undoubtedly use in the future.
The team at Galson Sciences were incredibly supportive and encouraged lots of questions, creating a positive and productive work environment. This experience was both meaningful and interesting, providing insight into the advantages and disadvantages of nuclear energy, and highlighting the importance of nuclear decommissioning and environmental safety in the industry.
Based on my experience, I highly recommend Galson Sciences for anyone seeking a comprehensive, challenging and rewarding work experience in the nuclear industry. The knowledge and skills I acquired, combined with the supportive team, made this an invaluable experience.
